A Parrish man admitted to authorities that he had accidentally shot and killed his wife in their September 2021 home. He was given an 11-year prison sentence after entering a plea of not guilty.
Before Blake Meadows was scheduled to go on trial, he entered pleas of not guilty to counts of manslaughter with a weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to court documents. Meadows was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Frederick Mercurio to 11 years in prison, with credit for time served, and five years of probation.
Meadows’ sentencing includes an evaluation for substance abuse and mental health, as well as the requirement to finish any prescribed treatment.
On September 13, 2021, Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the Meadows’ residence following a phone call regarding a shooting, as previously reported by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
According to the filed complaint, Meadows admitted to investigators that he had been mounting an AR handgun on the kitchen table, complete with a holographic sight and sling. According to court documents, the gun unintentionally went off as he was setting it down, breaking a glass door and striking his wife. Meadows’ spouse passed away due to her wounds.
“Based on the scene it appeared more likely that the round was fired from the area where the casing was located and not the kitchen table as [Meadows] had described,” the complaint states.
More than a month later, on October 20, Meadows was charged with manslaughter with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Meadows was also the subject of an arrest warrant.
